W: Perry Hains

There is something about RNBOI that is moving fast. Too fast, perhaps, to be fully grasped. In less than a year, the 19-year-old has established himself as one of the most prominent French artists, with hit singles "Mon Bébé" and "Avec moi" both multi-certified. Yet these early successes reveal very little of the seismic shift that is coming next. At 19, RNBOI is not trying to define a territory; he is moving freely within it, building an instinctive sound at the crossroads of Pop and R&B.

"There are sounds with different vibes... everything we are capable of doing with Max and Seny."

Following the 2025 release of My Eyes Only, he is now unveiling the sequel: "MY EYES ONLY - FLASHBACK". This 14-track project is a masterclass in refined songwriting and melodic precision. Recorded in just four months, the album unfolds with a liquid emotionality; the tracks flow together like memories, each possessing its own distinct character. From the intro—which cleverly samples the classic "Benthi" by Khaled and Melyssa—to the high-octane "fanfare" energy of "Oui", RNBOI is proving his range is limitless.

His music evokes that almost instant thrill that arises when a melody catches and a chorus unexpectedly takes hold. "So far, it's my most complete project," RNBOI notes. The project is bolstered by heavy-hitting collaborations that signal his status as a tastemaker. Aya Nakamura, a French music icon and his co-producer, lends her star power to "J'Pense à Toi", while the rap group L2B represents the "generation that took over in 2025."

"Even the biggest stars are just cool artists who love music."

The international ambition of the record is clear. A collaboration with Beninese pop star Ayra Starr—born from a natural connection on social media—led to a high-profile music video shoot in New York. Meanwhile, his track with ElGrandeToto, an emblematic figure of Morocco, carries a deeply personal weight. As RNBOI puts it: "This is for Mama!" It is a testament to a journey that owes nothing to chance and everything to a solid, coherent vision.

Born in Nemours, RNBOI grew up in a household vibrating with diverse influences: American R&B from his Italian father, North African sounds from his mother, and indie rock from his sister. This self-taught musician was discovered at 16 by Max and Seny, the "Composer of the Year" winners at the 2025 Flammes ceremony. Together, they have crafted a signature aesthetic that has already seen "BTRD" go platinum with over 50 million streams.

"It's not necessarily me who is changing, but the world around me."

The numbers are staggering. "Mon Bébé" became a genuine phenomenon, achieving double diamond status and setting a record for the fastest French-language song to reach 100 million streams. Yet RNBOI remains remarkably grounded amidst the whirlwind. He is moving fast without ever seeming to rush, even as his popularity accelerates. Judging by the current buzz, his music is destined to resonate far beyond national borders, captivating audiences in the UK, Spain, and beyond.

RNBOI’S meteoric rise isn't just heard—it’s seen. From the gritty, suburban realism of his early days in Nemours to the glossy, high-fashion neon of New York City, his music videos serve as a visual diary of a star in transit. Each frame captures the transition from a self-taught 16-year-old to a global icon, blending raw French energy with an international R&B aesthetic.

"The camera doesn't lie; it shows the world catching up to the vision we've had since day one."

The evolution began with the intimate, street-level storytelling of "Instable", but quickly shifted into the award-winning cinematic flair of "Reste-là". By the time "Mon Bébé" shattered records, the visuals had transformed into high-concept art, mirroring his "double diamond" status. Now, with the New York-set collaboration alongside Ayra Starr, RNBOI’S videography proves that his world is no longer just local—it's universal.